Word Origin & History

late 14c., "to carry over," from over- + bear (v.). Meaning "to bear down by weight of physical force" is from 1535 (in Coverdale), originally nautical, of an overwhelming wind; figurative sense of "to overcome and repress by power, authority, etc." is from 1560s.

Example Sentences for overbear

Whatever the reasons for having deserted him he was determined to overbear.

Calm, cool, firm self-possession seemed to overbear all other feelings.

There are times when the fiery heart of a man must overbear the cold brain of a soldier.

Does the sublime voice issue only to overbear and reduce him to silence?

The trees are inclined to overbear, in which case the fruits run small.

Vine variable in vigor, productive, healthy, often inclined to overbear.

Was it that in the reserved Spaniard he had encountered a force which he could not overbear?

It is apt to overbear, break in pieces, and become almost worthless.

They are not very large; beautiful in color; have a tendency to overbear and grow in clusters.

For what voices are able to overbear the din with which our theatres resound?